Prickle Forrest Books
BOOK REVIEW
August 2024
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Dear Readers,
As the dust of my “Christmas in July” celebration finally settled, complete with a festive encounter with Santa downtown on the square, I found myself still in a holiday mood. So, what better way to keep the spirit alive than diving into a Christmas romance that hits the shelves in September? Yes, you heard that right—it’s not even fall yet, but I just had to indulge. After all, who can resist a heartwarming holiday tale when you’re already halfway through your summer eggnog? Here’s my review of “The Christmas Inn” by Pamela M. Kelley, perfect for those of us who can’t wait for the actual snow to start falling.
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Title: The Christmas Inn
Author: Pamela M. Kelley
ISBN: N/A
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: September 24, 2024
Archive Date: September 2024
Genre: Contemporary romance, 2nd chance romance, Christmas romance, women’s fiction.
Pages: 281
Format: Digital eBook
Price: N/A
Availability: NetGalley, Amazon, worldwide
Review Date: August 6, 2024
Review Submitted: August 21, 2024
NetGalley Reviewer: 1375356
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Description:
Explore this delightfully cozy and joyful novel of second chances at the most wonderful time of the year, from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley.
A feel-good novel as delightful and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, The Christmas Inn is bestselling author Pamela Kelley’s most heartwarming and magical book yet.
Riley Sanders didn’t plan on losing her job as a content marketing manager right before Christmas. When she calls her sister Amy to vent, she learns that their mother has broken her leg and could really use some help at the inn. Riley decides to head home to the inn, nestled along the shores of Cape Cod, in time for the Christmas rush. She is happy to help and needs something to distract her as mistletoe is hung and snowflakes begin to fall.
When she gets there, she not only finds delicious cookies and a crackling fire to lift her spirits, but also the sense of family she’s been missing all along. There’s Franny, a woman who has just lost her sister and has four unopened letters from her that she plans to use to open her up to new experiences on the Cape. And there’s Aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower, who is staying at the inn with his nine year-old son, Luke. What begins as a quick stay over the holidays to help her mom turns into something that means much more—a second chance at romance, a deeper sense of found family, and all the joy and wonder that comes with Christmastime on Cape Cod.
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My Review:
“The Christmas Inn” by Pamela Kelley is a delightfully cozy and joyful novel that embodies the magic and warmth of the holiday season. This feel-good story centers around the FMC, Riley Sanders, who after losing her job just before Christmas, returns to her family’s Inn nestled along the shores of Cape Cod. Her intentions to help her mother who has suffered a broken leg quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery and reconnection. The inn, decked out with mistletoe and snowflakes, provides the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, familial bonding, and romance.
There are plenty of positives in “The Christmas Inn.” The story is undeniably sweet and wholesome, making it a perfect Christmas holiday read. The author has crafted charming female characters, each contributing to the narrative’s heartwarming appeal. The novel features three romantic subplots, including a new romance and two second-chance love stories, adding variety to the reading experience. The intergenerational relationships add richness, as the novel spans three generations, emphasizing the timeless theme of returning home to family. Additionally, Pamela Kelley’s knowledge of food and wine is evident, adding a delightful sensory layer to the festive setting.
However, the book has its shortcomings. At times, the emphasis on food and drink to set the scene feels overdone, with an overload of hot chocolate and frequent references to wine and alcohol. The rapid succession of scenes often lacks depth, with some sections feeling more like telling than showing. Riley’s second chance at love with her old boyfriend comes across as somewhat flat, with little internal thought or emotion driving their actions, making the secondary character romances more compelling by comparison. The predictability of the main character’s storyline and the lack of a strong romantic struggle can be disappointing for readers expecting a more dramatic love story. Moreover, the descriptions of the setting could use more detail to evoke that old-world charm of a traditional Christmas holiday.
Despite these flaws, “The Christmas Inn” ends on an upbeat note, capturing the spirit of second chances and the joy of family. The novel’s charm lies in its ability to create a comforting, festive atmosphere that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter’s night.
A big “Thank you” goes to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to review this Christmas novel.
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My Rating:
I would rate it a solid 3.5 to 4 cups of hot cocoa (stars), as it succeeds in delivering a heartwarming holiday tale, even if it falls short in some areas.
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Thanks for checking out my review… Stay tuned … we’re heading into the realm of AI and Sci-Fi for my next review.
Christina Hartmann Benchoff
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